But, this team -- which is seemingly breaking records at every major meet -- didn't have to look far for motivation entering the season.

"We've been preparing for whatever comes to us," said Kayla Richardson. "It's hard to think about, and people have been saying that this team isn't going to be better than last year. But, I think 2014 is going to be better than 2013."

With the state sectional championships, group championships, and meet of champions looming in February, Columbia will look add to its prestigious reputation. Earlier this month, it tied Hopewell Valley for the most state relay titles with 10 and its nine group titles are already the most ever in New Jersey.

"I came in as a freshman last year and a lot of people said that we wouldn't be as good because a lot of seniors graduated," Cheyenne Trigg said. "We are confident in the way we train, and we're going to work hard to become the group that people look up to. We want to work really hard."